Saint Olaf kindergartners show their generosity

Photos courtesy of St. Olaf School

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Kindergartners at Saint Olaf prepare Halloween bags for children at the Shriners Hospital

BOUNTIFUL - Since the beginning of the school year, the Saint Olaf School kindergarten class has been energetically involved in helping others, learning that serving those who are in need is a wonderful way to show that they are acting in a Christ-like manner.

Partnering with the Bountiful Lions Club by collecting used eyeglasses and sunglasses for worldwide distribution has expanded their giving potential to a global level.

Jim Knight, State Sight chairperson for the Lions Club and Diane King, Bountiful Lions Sight chairperson, visited the class to let them know how and where the donated glasses are distributed. Knight told the class that even though many of the glasses they collect cost more than $200 per pair, the Lions distribute them to people who have eye problems for a cost around 8 cents per pair. The class also learned that the Lions Club International helps to conserve sight by providing usable eyeglasses to children and adults thought the world. Donated eyeglasses can help millions of people experience vision for the first time, enabling them to read, attend school, gain employment and take care of their families. They have donated over 4 million pairs of glasses a year to those in need.

King told the children that she spent about a month in Romania with a medical mission that help distribute the glasses. They were very interested to learn that eye tests for these people are not done in the way in which we here in the United States are tested. Because many countries speak a different language than English and have different types of alphabets, the big E eye test chart isn't usable in those areas. Instead, eyes are tested by a laser eye test. When the problem is discovered, the person is matched with a prescription to improve his vision.

Although the class has been collecting glasses for at least a month, the students became even more enthusiastic about the project after the Lions Club presentation and came up with several more ideas of how to increase their donations.

The Lions Club accepts any type of used eyeglasses and non-prescription sunglasses as long as they are not damaged. There is a tremendous need for children's eyeglasses. Glasses may be donated at St. Olaf Catholic School, 1793 South Orchard Drive in Bountiful from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

St. Olaf kindergartners took the time allotted for their Halloween party to create Halloween bags for youngsters admitted to the Shriners Hospital over Halloween. In addition to the usual treats, the class also collected and donated other types of items for the young patients who come from as far away as Mexico for medical treatment. Included in the donations from St. Olaf were stationary to write home to friends and family, stickers. crossword puzzle books, coloring books and crayons.